In the 1950s, the cut and design of underwear was conservative. Whether in one piece or two, the upper garments either featured white, beige or black camisoles or brassieres wrapped around the body or boned. Some bras had wires for support. Although this enhanced the full-busted effect, the 'push-up' created some discomfort. The lower part of the foundation garment was usually a corset. American pop singer Madonna once wore a shiny pointed bra in a concert - a reminder that pointed bras were popular in the 1960s. But they looked unnatural and quickly lost their appeal.
In the 1970s and 1980s, lingerie design was trimmed down to bikini size. More comfortable materials such as cotton and lace were used. Bra pads were softer, and there was a larger range of cup sizes (ranging from the letters A to D) to cater to the wide variety of women's body shapes and sizes. Although the full range provided close-fitting comfort, many women today still do not know the proper posture for putting on a bra. They should bend their body to let their breasts fall into the cups and then straighten up before fastening the bra strap at the back.
Today, intimate apparel is no longer simply underwear. It has become a fashion statement. Advanced technology and machines are used to produce seamless bras without padding or wiring, but they still perform the uplifting function that shows off the beauty of a woman's bust line and cleavage. The effect is chic and glamorous. Women in western countries such as the United States and Europe appreciate the design of their underwear more than women in Hong Kong. Women here seldom wear low-cut dresses. But if a local movie star is caught in one, it creates a photo sensation.
